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Incident
Patrolman Robert Kirk suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after responding to the scene of an automobile accident in which a car had ruptured a major natural gas utility line.
He and other officers evacuated several nearby buildings and homes and then assisted at the scene of the accident. He began to suffer chest and back pains and was transported to a local hospital. Doctors checked his heart and lungs and then released him, but he collapsed as he walked out of the hospital.
Patrolman Kirk had served with the agency for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kirk gave the Fairmont Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fairmont community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kirk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Robert is the only officer of Fairmont Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 7 officers lost to cardiac events in WV, 3% of the 232 remembered there.
Robert is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 1 officer in WV was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1958, 10 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1958, 10 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Robert was 32. Of the 7 lost to cardiac events in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 56.5; the middle age was 50. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
Robert was 32. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Robert was 32. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
August holds 14.3% of these deaths in WV; March holds the most, 28.6%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
August holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fairmont Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 3% of all 232 deaths in WV, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
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